The family of Bebe King, a victim of the Southport attack, read her favorite story in her final moments.
Bebe King, six, was their “light and joy,” and her parents believed she would achieve great things. Elsie Dot, seven, was “born special,” “fearless,” and “pure.” She “didn’t know bad.”
Bebe’s parents gave their first TV interview, where they described how a horrific knife attack killed her last summer. She was dressed in pyjamas in the hospital, and they read her a bedtime story.
They told Good Morning Britain about their goodbye. They lay next to her and cherished the time, reading Jack and the Beanstalk with funny voices.
Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, also died in the attack. Her parents are not ready to speak, but they support the other families. The attack was at Hart Space on July 29.
The families want answers about what happened and hope these answers will bring change. They also seek better protection for children in the future.
Yvette Cooper announced a public inquiry on January 21 regarding Axel Rudakubana. He received a life sentence with a minimum of 52 years for the killing.
Bebe’s parents called her “strong and kind,” and they hope her death helps protect other children. They must live as she wanted them to live, making the most of life for her.
They want Bebe remembered for her joy and do not want the attack to define her. They disliked the sentencing broadcast because it focused too much on the girls’ injuries.
Elsie Dot’s parents feel “guilt” for dropping her off at the dance class, a nice summer holiday activity. They feel they shouldn’t have sent her, but she really wanted to go.
Elsie’s mother cried, saying she would have fought for Elsie and would never have let the attack happen.
Bebe’s mother called her “my best friend,” describing how they shared a hidden language and understood each other perfectly.
Bebe loved singing and dancing, especially to Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.” She sang loudly in the car and danced in front of the mirror.
Both families met Swift at Wembley Stadium after the attack. Bebe’s parents said Swift was “very lovely” and offered “light in the dark.”
Elsie’s parents said she was a “devoted Swiftie” who idolized the singer. Elsie was creative and wanted to be a fashion designer, and she also loved cheerleading, aspiring to coach at night.